CDR Preamble – DJ Bone

We caught up with DJ Bone ahead of his CDR session at Miranda / Ace Hotel

How has your music production process evolved over time?

I used to be strictly outboard gear/analog but over the years I’ve realized that there were many digital options that would fit perfectly with the way I produce on the fly. As long as I could reach my goals without compromising the soul or creativity within my sound.

Ableton Live was a big help with this transition.

What key changes have you seen in the music industry/bidness during your time making records? Is independent the only way to go? Are 2017 tryin’ times?

Throughout my career so far, I’ve seen the birth of digital DJs & producers, the advent of CD/USB decks, Facebook and other social media becoming common gauges of popularity, and huge corporate/commercial investments in electronic music. I’ve seen artists claim vinyl was dead only to come back to releasing on the format years later. I’ve also seen vinyl distribution companies go bankrupt but new ones emerge years later.

If you want total control of your art, vision and money then independent is the only way to go in my book! Dealing with a major (or semi-semi major) almost always stifles your creativity. But in order to be independent you must be willing to put in the extra hours of hard work.

2017 might be difficult for some as far as adjusting to marketing and technology. I just decided early on to always be as consistent as possible while continuing to grow, excel, innovate and generate new skills so that I’d never have to rely on hype.

Talk us through the track your last [cmd] ‘S’d ? ([ctrl] ‘S’ to PC users)

It’s a track called ‘The Stalker’!

What piece of studio equipment would you NOT part with – Ever!!

I have to say I’d never part with any of my Doepfer MS404 and MAQ16/3 modules. There’s something so raw and beautiful about the sounds they generate. And I love when I can trick them into happy accidents or malfunctions which result in strange sounds. I was introduced to one Doepfer unit by Mad Mike Banks. It was right before my double-groove release on Metroplex came out. He actually walked me through what the MAQ did and all it’s functions. Ever since then I really noticed and appreciated the quality of swing as well as the randomness I could get from the MAQ.

I was introduced to the MS404 by my friend Paul S. He thought it sounded close to a 303. I felt it was like the 303’s alter-ego or its dark side. I love how the MS404 can growl but sound dry at the same time, as opposed to the wet sound of the 303…It’s good to be different….

They can expect some truly honest insight into DJ Bone. They’ll get the truth, the whole uncut me. I’m excited.

Have you any advice or words of warning for producers/musicians developing musical works in progress to play at CDR?

Be unique and produce from your soul. The last thing you should want to do is follow a trend or sound like someone else.

Finally, anything else you care to add…Really anything!

Well I’m putting the finishing touches on my next album. I’m very proud of it and can’t wait to release it! It’s going to be very Detroit, very true to myself and very funky. I wanted to focus on complete songs with feeling and I think I’ve accomplished my goal.

I’m also going to introduce a series of 12″ EPs that will be released every week.